A Lesson From a Puppy: Training Our Hearts to Look Upon Jesus
Jenny Marcelene, Guest Writer
Today’s Treasure
Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2
“Hobbes, look!” I command my 8-month-old labradoodle. I clutch a small dog treat in my right hand and move my hand to my upper cheek, just below my eye.
My puppy watches the treat with rapt brown eyes and sits. Then he shifts a quick glance in my direction. “Yes,” I say before rewarding him with the treat.
This past week, I joined a beginner’s dog obedience class with my puppy, Hobbes. One of the first commands we worked on was, “Look!” And I’m beginning to realize the magic of this simple command.
When I’m out for a walk with my pup and something catches his attention, I can instruct him to look at me instead. This slows down his momentum and hyper-focus on what’s distracting him. Sometimes it doesn’t work and Hobbes ignores my command, deciding to forgo a treat to pursue what he wants in that moment. But when he obeys, he redirects his focus where it should be—walking with me—rather than chasing after a distraction.
I’m learning in these early training days that merely getting him to comply isn’t enough in the heat of a distraction. Hobbes can quickly launch back into distraction mode. I’ve discovered when I need to redirect his focus and obey, if I kneel down and pet him—so that Hobbes has to linger in the moment—the lure of said distraction fades.
And oh how this lesson rings true in my own life. Jesus beckons me to Himself and often I respond like my puppy. I either go through the motions so I can launch immediately back to what I was doing or ignore the invitation altogether.
But when I truly accept Christ’s call to gaze upon Him and linger there, the pull of that distraction decreases and I’m better positioned to connect with my Savior. Whether my mind is buzzing with all I have to get done today, concern for my child, or discerning my next step, Jesus is beckoning.
“Dear one, look!” He whispers.
Jesus wants us to fix our eyes on Him, not our mounting obstacles or to-do list. When we do so, our perspectives are realigned with how we should respond—trust in our King, rather than frantic chasing. Focusing on Jesus first keeps us in step with Him and relying upon His strength, not our own.
When my mind swirls with the responsibilities that life brings my way, I too must be trained to look at my Savior.
According to the dog trainer, over time Hobbes won’t need a small treat or even a hand gesture with the command. With enough consistency, he’ll respond to my simple command, “Hobbes, look!”
And like the dog trainer’s smooth collie who sits at her feet waiting for his master’s direction, one day Hobbes may not need the command anymore because he’ll cultivate focus for what I want him to do.
Oh, how I long for the day I don’t even need a quiet invitation from Jesus! I long to be the woman who by God’s grace has trained herself daily to look upon Him and wait for his instructions, rather than being pulled along by the pressures and noisiness each day brings.
PRAYER
Lord, train our hearts to turn to Jesus and wait in earnest expectation—one day, one hour, one minute, one second at a time. Amen.
More free resources for help, hope, and healing:
Anchored Hope Biblical Counseling – Biblically grounded, clinically informed virtual counseling. We offer convenient and confidential virtual counseling with theologically educated and professionally trained counselors.
About the Author: Jenny Marcelene I spent six years living in conservative Muslim countries and desire to help parents and children catch a glimpse of how God is at work among the nations. I've traveled to 30 countries (and I'm not counting layovers when you don't actually leave the airport—that's cheating in my book!) and marvel at how each culture uniquely reflects aspects of God’s character like a multi-faceted diamond.
I work as a freelance writer and editor, including projects for Oakseed Ministries International. Once upon a time I worked as a Children’s Ministry and Curriculum Coordinator at my previous church for three years. I'm a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (that's a long name for children's writers!) and hope*writers. Visit her website.
For more from Daily Treasure please visit MARKINC.ORG.
Originally published Monday, 26 August 2024.
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